Rueben Perez, director of Kansas University’s Student Involvement and Leadership Center, said the fraternity, which houses 74 residents, was lucky the fire happened during the day. Tuesday was the second day of classes at KU.

“Fortunately, with it being during the day, most of the students were out of the house and in classes,” Perez said. “I know the president is telling them now that unless this was your room, go to class.”

Tennessee Street from 14th to 17th streets was closed as firefighters investigated but reopened at about 2 p.m. The cause of the fire has not been determined.